Colonial Guest House

  

Fogo

A memorable and friendly family-run house, boasting a fantastic central location in São Filipe, Colonial Guest House is sure to charm each and every one of its guests.


Our Guest's Opinion

“Colonial Guest House was lovely as were the staff. A nice place to stay. Our day tour of the volcanic crater was excellent. Top marks.”

- Mr Alker

 

What we love

  • The rich history of Colonial Guest House dates back to 1883, shining through each and every room. Large airy rooms with high ceilings - it’s simply beautiful.
  • The owners, Morten and Luisa, are real characters. They pride themselves on top-class service and have so much love for Fogo. Join them for a drink in the bar and enjoy tales of their life on Fogo. 

 

Good to know

  • Every room has its own private bathroom, however, some rooms have bathrooms adjacent to the bedroom, rather than an en-suite.
  • We offer a panoramic transfer tour as standard on all package holidays that include Fogo. This is an approximate three-hour tour around the island, ensuring you get a chance to witness its natural beauty.

 

Charm and authenticity

Evoking the design and feel of a typical Portuguese house, dating back to 1883, Colonial Guest House is a fantastic option for those embarking on an island hopping holiday. Designed in the distinctive Sobrado style which characterises many of Cape Verde’s oldest buildings, Colonial Guest House has a distinctive Portuguese feel to it.

Read more

 

Explore Fogo

Located in São Filipe, Fogo’s capital, guests can easily explore the shops, bars and restaurants of the town, many of which are in walking distance of the property. For the extra adventurous, you can’t visit the island of Fogo and not pay a visit to the incredible volcano craters, easily reached via a guided tour. Sample Fogo’s own wine, which is grown inside the crater, or try the home-grown coffee, which is produced on the outer, fertile land of the volcano; there’s so much to see and do on this striking island. 

 

Time to relax

You will, however, be forgiven for not wanting to leave the relaxing oasis of the guest house, with its small pool and shaded comfy seating area – perfect for enjoying Cape Verde’s superb climate. The Portuguese theme also extends throughout the property’s guest rooms, which have high ceilings, are wonderfully spacious and individually decorated. If you’re here to relax, why not make the most of the pool for a cooling dip or the bar and terrace that take in wonderful views across the sea of the neighbouring island of Brava?


Getting to Fogo

Direct International flights to Sal then internal flights to/from Fogo, via Santiago.

Fogo is best experienced as part of a multi-centre island hopping holiday around the archipelago. We offer a number of itineraries that include a stay on Fogo. Visit our Island Hopping Holiday Ideas, or call one of our experts about a tailor-made itinerary.

Official local hotel rating: 3 star

   
 

What's included in your booking 

  • 20kg luggage allowance 
  • Return inter-island flights from Sal provided by Cabo Verde Airlines
  • Private panoramic transfer tour
  • Access to UK airport lounge
  • Airport Security Tax (TSA)
  • Experienced and reliable resort team on hand to help 
  • Cape Verde digital destination guide 

Hotel Facilities

  • Pool
  • Outdoor restaurant and bar
  • Massage suite (payable locally)
  • Laundry service (payable locally)
  • Wi-Fi
  • 10 rooms

Room Facilities

  • Double or twin beds
  • Some bathrooms may not be adjacent to bedrooms - they're still private
  • Air-conditioning or fan
  • Hairdryer
  • Balcony or terrace

Location

  • Restaurants: São Filipe town
  • Main Town: São Filipe  
  • Airport: São Filipe Fogo, 10 minutes by taxi transfer

Travelling Between the Islands

Internal flights are provided by Cabo Verde Airlines. It should be noted that internal flights can and do change schedules and flights are sometimes cancelled, delayed or even early!

Travelling time between Sal and Fogo is via Santiago and approximately 75 minutes' flying time.

Rooms at Colonial Guest House

Standard Room

Sleeps up to 3 

   

  More Information

About the Local Area

ABOUT THE ISLAND

Fogo is the fourth largest island and is the only active volcano in Cape Verde.

Thousands of years ago, Fogo erupted from the sea and at its peak, originally reached 35km but since then has lost 300m in height when a huge section collapsed. That said, it still boasts the highest peak in Cape Verde. Since 1785 many smaller eruptions have taken place over time and have all been inside the crater which have created craters in the floor of the original crater which now stretches a massive 7km wide and 10km long.

The crater on Fogo is one of the highlights of Cape Verde and has created what is a very fertile land; coffee is grown on the outside slopes whilst the vines used to produce the famous Fogo wine are grown inside the crater. We highly recommend you try both.

The scenery on Fogo is impressive: dark rocks and black sands give an impression of a lunar landscape. São Filipe, the capital of Fogo is a pretty town full of Portuguese squares, cobbled streets and sobrados, pastel houses decorated with quality woods and tiles from Portugal. The views from the promenade are of the island of Brava and a severe drop down to the black sands below.

Visitors to Fogo tend to embark on a hike up the volcano with a rewarding lunch at the top in a restaurant offering magnificent views.

 

THINGS TO SEE & DO

WALKING & HIKING

The Islands provide some spectacular scenery and there are walks to suit all levels of fitness and experience.

Some of the walks in the islands provide challenges which require previous hill walking experience, a higher than average level of fitness and proper walking footwear. For some walks guides are a necessity and can be arranged and paid for locally where as others are well signposted and there is no need for a guide.

On Fogo, the most challenging is the ascent of the Pico in the crater, the top of which is 2829m. There are also many walks from the top of the crater down its sides.

SAMPLE LOCAL WINE

Discovering the island of Fogo isn't complete unless a glass or two of its local wine is tasted. Available all over the archipelago, but best tasted on the island where it is produced. The volcano ensures extremely fertile soils inside the crater, a precarious position for growing vines, but it is worth the delicious results!

NATURAL LAVA HARBOUR

A tour around Salinas - the northern area of the island - is a real treat. Visit the natural lava harbour, a black sandy beach and a number of coffee plantations. Stop off to visit the island's oldest church, São Lourenco, dating back to the 16th century.